Once at a boil, reduce heat to lowest setting, cover and let simmer for anywhere between 16 - 24 hours.

WHAT IS BONE BROTH?

Bone broth is essentially the nutrient-dense stock liquid made from simmering raw or cooked bones at low heat over long periods of time. This oily broth is packed full of amino acids, vitamins and minerals and is considered a nutritional powerhouse for dogs! Bone broth is especially ideal for sick dogs and senior dogs, as it is extremely easy to digest and is soothing for the stomach. Although this healthy broth can be given to help dogs heal and stay strong, it also works as an excellent whole food multivitamin supplement for any dog at any age!

Packaged and commercially made broth (labeled as "stock") from the grocery store cannot compare to natural homemade broths. The stock you find in grocery stories is cooked at high heat for a much shorter amount of time, is processed and often contains useless or unhealthy ingredients and chemical additives. Homemade broth is slow cooked on low heat (which increases nutrient density and availability), is pure and contains no junk ingredients or artificial chemicals.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BONE BROTH?

Bone broth has many phenomenal benefits. Bone broth has been traditionally used to treat leaky guy and digestive issues, while also supporting good joint health. Bone broth can also benefit dogs with allergies and food sensitives, as it is a phenomenal immune system booster. For healthy dogs, a cup of bone broth once a day with a meal is an excellent whole food multivitamin to provide a boost of nutrition to a balanced diet.

Bone broth is rich in many nutrients, especially amino acids such as arginine, glycine, glutamine and proline. Bone broth also acts as a superior joint supplement, as it contains gelatin (the breakdown of collagen), glucosamine, chondroitin and other nutrients that support good joint health.

Making bone broth is extremely easy and inexpensive! All you need is water, a splash of apple cider vinegar, a stock pot (or a slow cooker/crock pot) and enough raw or cooked bones to cover the bottom of the pot!

While you can use any cooked bones, I strongly believe that RAW bones produce the best results. Raw duck necks, raw turkey necks, beef marrow bones, chicken frames and similar bones are ideal for broths! In the recipe I included below, I used several large chunks of raw elk neck bone with lots of meat, fat and cartilage still attached to the bone.

If you do not have any apple cider vinegar, you can substitute it with regular vinegar or lemon juice. The acid helps draw the nutrients out of the bones and into the broth. The longer you let your broth simmer, the more nutrients will be extracted into the broth.

Optional ingredients like parsley, turmeric, kelp, carrots and raw liver can be added to the pot to increase flavor and additional nutrient value. Make sure any ingredients you use are SAFE for dogs to consume. Do NOT use onion or garlic, and these two foods are known for potentially making dogs sick.

Once your bone broth is done, remove the bones from the pot. If you want to remove the fat, you can skim the top of the broth and dispose of it. Once cooled, the broth broth can be frozen. I like to pick the tender meat off the bones before discarding them, and I either feed the cooked meat with their meals, put it back into the broth, or feed it as treats.

In the [paragraph it says make sure any ingredients you use should be safe. then it says DO NOT use and potentially these two food are known for makeing dogs sick. what are they??

Jane Rebello

2/28/2015 11:41:42 pm

I made a beef bone broth for my Labs. The bones were so soft by the time it had finished cooking I was able to shave them with a paring knife and make a gritty paste of them. I was going to add this to the bone broth and continue cooking it down, but I have searched everywhere and no one says anything about adding the "bone meal" to the pot. Would this be too concentrated for the dogs? Would you advise me about this, please?

Cindy Webster

4/18/2015 11:38:15 pm

how much can they drink of this broth and how many times a week? I have a Chihuahua and she has luxating patellas.

I knew about onions but garlic? I've been using for yrs cook into foods. Was told it helps with fleas?

Linda

10/12/2016 10:24:17 am

How young of a puppy can be started on bone broth?

Kat Morris

2/7/2017 02:09:23 pm

K9 Instinct ~ I have a 14yo terrier mix with kidney disease. She's in the early stages so I am trying to better her diet to ward off any progression. Would bone broth be ok for her?
Many thanks in advance.

Aira Mohanty

3/8/2018 12:35:56 am

Can i go for chhiken bone broth for my german shepherd or mutton broth is more valuable for my pupy

Peggy Kraus

1/14/2015 07:34:21 am

I started making this for our senior Lab we rescued. She had bad hip pain and would yelp every morning when she first got up? Now, just 5 weeks later I see the most amazing change. Even the vet says she is acting like a younger dog. So glad I read about this.

I loved your article about what to do for sick dogs. Bone broth ESP. Then I read it and to be honest the cider vinegar is the easiest thing to get. I live on fixed incomes and haven't had meat myself in a yr maybe. I could get a chicken (Whole) how do u make due with just that. Almost the rest i unavailable, elk, duck come on??? I want my dog to be the best she can be. Can you offer substitute meat bones and pumpkins are only round 1 a year. I really like the idea of healthy feeding. She's 5 now and I do my best. I signed up for your articles but this is a bit rich for me. Can you help me with substitute broth that I could more afford . Thankscami

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Peta

6/7/2015 02:13:58 pm

I have just made a bone broth using chicken feet and a chicken frame. The whole lot came to about $5. Head to a chinese food market and you can get stuff like this very cheaply

Terri Fuqua

9/26/2015 10:22:40 pm

You may wish to ask your friends and neighbors to save their bones for you. You can freeze them in a bag until you have enough to make a crock pot full.

Jill

10/5/2015 07:27:46 pm

I've made bone broth in my slow cooker with chicken bones and with t-bone steak bones (3). I usually cook for a week, feeding my pup a cup per day and replacing that amount of water daily. After several days, the chicken bones are soft enough to mince and feed to my dog, and after a week the steak bones were soft enough to pulverize. I add the organs from the chicken to the broth for additional nutrients.

Jodi pirelli

8/2/2017 11:20:56 am

Bone broth is not expensive.... you can save bones from what you eat like a little chicken breast but a whole
Chicken cooked or raw for around 5-6$ out it in a crock put with scraps younsave from
Your plate and freezemit save scraps like celery, parsley, carrots, cabbage etc toss it in the pot add 3-4 tablespoons of brags vinegar or even lemon and let it cook in a slow cooker 12-24 hours easy least affordable

Keri

8/15/2017 08:04:18 am

Is there a butcher or slaughter plant near...the ones here will give them to you...look on Craig's list most people sell roosters for around 2.ok dollars...Hope this helps

Stephanie Norton

10/18/2017 09:22:08 am

Ask your friends/family/neighbors to save their bones for you. I buy meat on sale & ask everyone to save their bones for me. I keep them in the freezer until I am ready to use them.

Barbara

1/21/2018 09:13:02 pm

I too live on a fixed income, so I understand. Maybe your local butcher at the supermarket can give you some of the bones they’re going to through away anyway. Can’t hurt to ask.

Gigi

2/10/2018 07:12:13 pm

Go to your regular grocery store. I talked to the meat department people. They showed me the clearance meat. I got beef necks and marrow bones for $9. It made a 5 qt pot. I added celery, parsley and carrots. The whole thing cost $12. I have two labs and froze it in zip lock bags. It has lasted me for 2.5 weeks. So $13 per dog per month. Hope this helps.

Sam

4/14/2018 08:38:01 pm

Hey ..depending on where you live and how fixed your income is, there's a brand of raw dog food called big country raw.. they sell lamb femur for 1.99 CAD for 2.. i got 4 of them (5 bucks) and a pack of kangaroo tail(14.99) but the tail has lots of yummy goo. Our dog has protien allergies and we're on a budgettoo...go to small local pet stores and ask about raw marrowbones.. they should be about 15bucks for 4lbs which should be enough to make a sm to med size batch...hope the info helps! Also some butchers throw away carcass and bone..give them a call and make them an offer

I get ACV and joint bones (beef) at the local farmers market and keep them in my freezer. Mason jar of ACV with mother - $2.50. Package of bones from local farmer - $3. One batch makes enough to last a while if freezing in small serving sizes. And you'll only have to buy the ACV once a year (unless you use it for other stuff like I tend to do). My dogs love this stuff and it's so good for them. It's easy to make (albeit a bit oily so the first couple of attempts can be messy until you get a routine) and really inexpensive. Plus, it supports the local economy. I guess my point is, you can do it for super cheap without sacrificing quality. And your dog will reap the benefits for years! Cheers.

Pam

10/10/2014 08:36:44 am

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Diana

10/10/2014 08:54:04 am

I was wondering If using a slow cooker would be just as good as simmering on the stovetop. I have a 7 quart slow cooker. I can use it as a stove top to bring the water to a boil the switch over to slow cooker on low.

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K9 Instinct

10/10/2014 08:57:35 am

Absolutely! A slow cooker is even better! :)

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Cathy

11/22/2014 10:20:12 pm

Just the answer I was hoping for 😉 but how long in s slo-cooker?

Jean

12/26/2014 09:54:27 am

Another simmering suggestion...I have a woodstove in my house,I put the bones in a Large pot w/water and let it simmer on the woodstove for many hrs..just add a little water occasionally (for evaporation) Wal-La..

Carina

3/14/2015 11:17:07 am

1: If using crock pot, would cooking time be the same?
2: How much water & bones or does that matter?
3: Crazy question, but where does one get just bones?
Thank you.

Kathryn Oliver

1/24/2015 02:06:31 am

We have a Rottie with bone cancer..
Was told only 3months and his life would end...not willing to let our family member
Like that, we have changed his diet and is on veg diet.. We give him fresh fruit as well
As the fresh veg made into purée as well as fruit....we are into our 5 month as. Well as a pain meds...hoping that this well help us keep him healthily and pain free....he has been my service Dog a very inportant part of
My life.....I owe him a lot as he has been my life a little better....he has done his part in careing for me.....so my husband and I are doing all we can to give him in return.. We do make a broth only not adding to the water

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rfletch

4/24/2017 02:18:59 pm

Oh wow. Get your dog off commercial dog food for sure but don't quit feeding meat along with vegi puree. Meat is species specific canine diet.

Verena

3/14/2015 12:58:33 pm

I have an electric slow cooker and after I have taken the meat from a roast chicken I just cover the bones with water, bring it to the boil, turn off the heat and let the bones finish cooking in the hot water. The next day the water will have turned to a jelly which, together with the bits of meat from the bones, I put onto my dogs' biscuits. They love it.

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Chris Fletcher

4/19/2015 03:56:32 pm

Diana , the slow cooker is exactly the right thing to use .....

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jackiegene

5/18/2015 04:32:04 pm

I use my slow cooker and it words great, i leave the bones in for two to three days, i even put the cooker outside because it smells so good, otherwise i am hungry all day with the wonderful smell in the house,

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Jill

10/5/2015 07:29:45 pm

Yes! I always use my slow cooker to make bone broth. When it's for the dog, I cook the bones on low for up to a week, feeding him a cup each day and replacing with fresh water. The bones get soft enough to pulverize and give to my dog. Great nutrition!

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Gigi

2/10/2018 07:14:54 pm

You have to bring it to a boil. Then I transferred to a crock pot. I let the water, bones and apple coder vinegar sit at room temp for an hour before boiling and tranfer to the crock pot for 36 hours

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jeanne bailey

7/4/2019 09:53:13 am

I have an electric pressure cooker, makes the chicken bones so soft, can mash them...easy,

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Nancy

10/10/2014 09:06:48 am

You state to feed them 1 cup a day which is fine for my bigger dog but how much would you feed small dogs? Shih Tzus or Dachshund would drown with that much liquid!!

I am going to make this tomorrow for my 4 furbabies. I'm excited for them to try this

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Paulette

10/10/2014 12:55:47 pm

my daughters Rotti has celiacs disease ! Beef and red meat can also set her off how will this affect her !

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K9 Instinct

10/10/2014 12:58:12 pm

If beef and red meat set her off, don't use any of those. Can you use chicken or duck?

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Julie Roberts

11/22/2014 11:56:16 am

If you're not already doing this, stop feeding grains. Very bad things, for us too! Read The Paleo Solution by Robb Wolf (no affiliation) and you'll see why. Scary.

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Deidra

10/10/2014 03:14:07 pm

Two questions. 1) if you give 1c per day to a healthy dog, do you increase the amount for a senior, arthritic or sick dog? If so, approx. how much more? 2) Is it ok to mix the types of bones? Such as turkey necks and beef or chicken and venison?
Thank you for the valuable info! We'll have a crock pot starting to simmer in the morning.

A pressure cooker is great for this and SO much faster. I've been doing this for a while now. First I pressure cook 1 whole chicken with carrots, celery, vinegar, garlic and 3 cups of water for 30 minutes on low. Then I debone the chicken (save it for the dogs to eat) and put all the bones back in the pressure cooker with the broth + 1 more cup of water for 45 minutes on high. My dogs love the chicken and the broth. :)

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see a few posts back garlic is not good for dogs

1/24/2015 12:18:25 am

Jill

10/5/2015 07:33:04 pm

That's exactly what I do, except I cook the bones for many days until they are soft enough to pulverize.

Jeanette

10/10/2014 11:17:30 pm

I'm planning on cooking a lamb joint for dinner tomorrow (proper English Sunday Roast!) Instead of 'binning' the bones, I shall cook them up to make this broth for Tilly the Westie, and freeze portions in the ice cube tray. She will enjoy a thawed portion or two on her food each evening! No more wasted bones in this house. Thank you.

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Dee

5/14/2016 09:07:28 am

I have just made some fabulous lamb bone stock, 40 mins in pressure cooker and it set to jelly ...perfect!, because I used 4 jointed leg bones, one is not really enough for good stock; when I do a roast or cook chops I freeze the bones until I have enough, I also take an axe to the bones before cooking, to break them up, and take away any splinters, any marrow that comes out goes straight into the dog. The resulting stock is shared between me and my dog, mine makes a real tasty broth, hers goes into the freezer in large yogurt pots, and ice cube trays for treats. Your UK butcher will let you have bones, probably on purchase of a good amount of meat or maybe sell the bones to you, either way they are a cheap and best way to make your own and doggy stock..

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Kimberlee Schreiber

10/11/2014 06:50:29 am

Do you happen to know if this would be beneficial to cats?

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K9 Instinct

10/11/2014 06:56:47 am

Yes, it is beneficial to cats in the same way it is good for dogs. Cats need a good amount of fluid intake, so adding bone broth to a cat's meal is perfect!

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Kimberlee Schreiber

10/12/2014 04:23:02 am

Thank you so much! I will definitely give it a try!

Anna

10/11/2014 08:05:47 am

Is it okay to crush the extremely soft bones into the broth? I have been doing this since I started "brothing", and my two yorkies love it!

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K9 Instinct

10/12/2014 01:40:45 am

Absolutely! Any extremely soft bones can be crushed up and mixed into the broth!

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naresh done

10/11/2014 11:32:30 am

By sir my 3.4 year gsd male all over perfectly but back legs weak , when he walking fast right side leg going round and out of body so what I feed for this problem ???

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kellie

5/13/2016 10:31:55 am

I feed my 14 yr old pup tumeric paste twice a day..he no longer needs arthritis meds and he's so healthy. Look up tumericlife.com.au for the recipe and more information.

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betty

10/11/2014 11:54:12 am

What about pork bones....

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K9 Instinct

10/12/2014 01:47:43 am

Pork bones are great! :)

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Blaze

10/11/2014 12:07:49 pm

Where do you get your raw bones from? Unfortunately all of my sources are "once in a while" things. I would like to give my dog bone broth daily.

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K9 Instinct

10/12/2014 01:47:13 am

Grocery stores typically have soup bones and beef marrow bones, but you can also contact local farmers and meat processing facilities and ask for their bones.. just make sure you get bones that have some marrow, connective tissue, etc!

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karen

4/19/2017 06:30:05 am

my 12 1/2 yr old shepherd has arthritis and L/S causing him to have difficulty getting around so I just bought 2 large beef bone marrow bones cooked in my croc pot for 24 hours. just placed broth in my canning jars, do I leave them out to cool first before I put the lids on and refrigerate or freeze?

CeCe

5/18/2015 03:25:14 pm

I get my bones from the grocery store but have cooked them and given them to my dog. I never thought of the broth!

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Steve

12/13/2016 01:02:23 pm

CeCe, Cooked bones have sharp edges & can splinter poking through the animals intestine, a life treating incident. Raw bones provide better nutrition and will not splinter.

Janice

10/12/2014 01:36:12 am

Will this be as beneficial to dogs who already eat a raw diet, which has bones?

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K9 Instinct

10/12/2014 01:41:59 am

Absolutely! It will be much like a whole food multivitamin added to your dog's food - a great nutritional boost!

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Michael

10/12/2014 12:41:57 pm

What would the shelf life be for something like this? Would it need to be refrigerated and/or frozen or could it be processed to be sold on shelves?

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K9 Instinct

10/12/2014 01:10:08 pm

Yes, it must be refrigerated and can be frozen. I freeze portions and keep portions in the fridge no longer than a week.

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heather

2/14/2015 10:06:25 am

I noticed no longer than a week this can be kept refrigerated. Can you reheat it in the microwave? And if so how long would you recommend?

Shana Davis

10/12/2014 01:07:09 pm

Can deer bones be used?

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K9 Instinct

10/12/2014 01:08:12 pm

Absolutely!

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Diana

10/13/2014 01:10:48 am

Would ox tail work?

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seamus taylor

10/13/2014 12:16:26 pm

Would the broth be of any benefit to people

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Julie

10/31/2014 11:23:55 pm

Yes! Very much so!

Lucy

10/16/2014 05:24:13 am

My dogs are on low copper diets. Would this contain significant amounts of copper

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Diana

10/16/2014 11:42:45 am

I made this for my boys the other day with femur bones and soup bones. They LOVE it. I mix it with their kibble and they eat every bite. If this helps my 13yr GS/mix with aches and pains I will be very happy. Thank you for sharing this.

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steve

12/13/2014 12:38:23 am

did it help older dog?

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jo lynn

2/26/2015 01:19:12 pm

It helped my GS. She can even get into the car now by herself. I cook it like a stew add brown rice or quinoa. No kibble or market food. She is like a puppy again. She is 10.

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Tracy Nicholson

10/21/2014 08:11:22 pm

Hi
I have a 4 year old GSD bitch who has Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
Would this be ok for her?

Many thanks
Tracy

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Sonja

10/31/2014 05:36:34 am

So if I would use a crockpot, still the same amount of time 16-24 hours? I would just feel safer then leaving the stove on for so long. Guessing the low setting on the crockpot, correct? Sorry don't cook much ;)

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Diana

10/31/2014 12:59:54 pm

Sonja, I made mine in the crockpot/slowcooker. I cooked it on high for about 2 hours then put it to low for the rest of the time. Total cook time 24 hours. It's more like a gelatin when it is cold rather than a liquid broth.

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Julie

10/31/2014 11:22:05 pm

I like to use chicken feet. The broth comes out thick and full of collagen. Be sure to drink a cup a day yourself as all those wonderful healing benefits are great for both us and our dogs!

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MJ

11/21/2014 09:59:43 pm

Chicken feet are GREAT for making broth! And humans-- yes, please do drink broth! It's fabulous to use when making rice or other grains (buckwheat, quinoa). Makes everything more flavorful and more nutritious.

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debbie walsh

11/1/2014 06:29:16 pm

Thank for this. I will be trying it out!

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Jim

11/3/2014 11:34:01 am

I have a service dog who suffers with a thyroid condition and this sounds like a great thing to help boost his imune system. I'm also going to try it in the crock pot
Thanks for the great information and look forward in reading more articles

Jim & "Ben"
Nova Scotia

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Erin

11/21/2014 03:23:26 am

I have a senior cat that has hyperthyroid and kidney disease, would this be ok for her to have?

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Linda Tegarden

1/11/2015 12:40:32 am

You should be careful with a hyperthyroid animal that you do not use the necks of beef cattle, chickens and any other animals as there is contained thyroid tissue in the neck but outside the gland itself.

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April Smith

11/21/2014 05:33:52 am

Hi. I have a 7 yr old mini Schnauzer. He has diabetes. Will this help him?

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April Smith

11/21/2014 05:38:49 am

Hi. I have a 7 year old mini schnauzer. He has been diagnosed with diabetes in August 2014. Having hard time getting his sugar levels stable. I have been thinking about switching him and my black lab to a raw diet. Will this be beneficial for the diabetes?

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ellen toutant

11/21/2014 11:09:41 am

does that include chicken broth? have been feeding it to my tree dogs for a long time and they have never looked better and are very happy and healthy?

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Apurva

11/21/2014 01:36:08 pm

Storage and feeding temperature ?

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Brandi M

11/21/2014 05:59:14 pm

I've heard of the benefits of bone broth before and have made some and given it to my dog with his food but it made him extremely gassy. I don't know if this is normal. He is a large 100 lb German Shepherd. Any ideas on why it would make him so gassy?

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Melanie

11/22/2014 02:45:29 am

One of my dogs has EPI. His food is mixed with water and his enzyme. Can this stock be substituted for the water needed or should I offer him it separately?

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Diana

11/22/2014 08:32:37 am

With Thanksgiving coming up I was wondering if a roasted turkey carcass would be of any benefit? Slow cooking it the same way as raw bones.

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Ruffz

11/25/2014 11:24:26 pm

Can I use fish heads for the broth?

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Kath

1/23/2015 03:41:01 am

Yes, Fish heads can be added.

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April

11/26/2014 02:43:10 am

Can I use deer meat. Deer bones?

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Joann

11/28/2014 09:19:02 am

How much tumeric would you add?

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Chris

2/21/2015 11:12:09 am

Joann, There is a facebook group called Turmeric user group that have all kinds of great discussions on the use of turmeric and how best to feed it.

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Diana

12/1/2014 04:07:11 am

Just FYI anyone living in an area that the deer population has wasting disease ddo not use the bones for the broth. It is located in the brain and marrow of the bone. The meat is fine though.

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Lindy

3/9/2015 04:02:51 am

Diana, where can we find out if the deer in our area have that wasting disease?

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Diana

3/9/2015 09:38:18 am

You should be able to check wiyh your DNR. Or whoever runs the hunting. I don't hunt but know ppl the work in a processing plant in Wisconsin. I was told they throw out the bones from all the deer.

I have been giving this to my dogs gthe past couple of months. My 13 yr old GSD is over weight and is on low calorie food. I was just wondering if you happen to know gthe nutritonal info. I let the broth cool and take the fat off hoping that helps keep the calories down.

I have a 14.5 year old American Staffordshire Terrier who has pancreatitis. I make her a special raw diet. Would this be ok for her or too much fat?

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JIM

1/4/2015 04:26:22 am

I can't wait to try on my 6 year old Rottie Roxy. Thanks for sharing the infornation.

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Norma Lopez

1/10/2015 04:37:14 am

I made chicken broth for my dogs. I boiled an entire chicken till the chicken fell off the bone. Then I took all the bones and shredded them into grain size pieces and added it back into the broth. I was wondering if anyone knew if this is ok and if itll add more nutrients to the broth. Or is this not a good idea?

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Carol

1/16/2015 07:47:41 am

I suspect this would NOT be a good idea for dogs with compromised kidney function, is that correct? I would worry about too much phosphorus.

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WhitewaterDave

1/23/2015 01:51:42 am

I have been using bones for flavouring soups for years. I never thought to use them this way. One of my dogs has a sensitive stomach. Sounds like this will help him. Thanks for posting!

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Heike

1/23/2015 04:19:30 am

Feeding bone broth for decades, even my parents fed this to their dogs. All our dogs look and feel good. Had many rescues, foster dogs, etc and all of them did well with the broth. Better than all those supplements you can buy. ;-))

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Jill

1/24/2015 02:47:23 am

So if you can then freeze it...freeze it into individual ice cube trays and serve it to them that way on hot summer days! My parents have dog who loves ice cubes, this would be perfect!

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Brandi M

1/26/2015 06:26:21 am

I have done that for my dogs in the past. It's great for really hot days. And they love them!

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Sarah

2/13/2015 02:45:34 pm

If you cooking for less time would it still have benefits. I don't have 16+ hours to cook it. So is ok for less time say 4-5hrs?

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Deb

2/14/2015 02:05:26 am

Sarah, I think the article stated longer cooking times will produce the benefit. Otherwise it's like canned stock which is of low nutritional value. I cook mine for 48 hours in a crock pot which softens the bones. I mash the bones and feed them to my dogs in addition to their food.

Can you tell me how long the broth will keep in the refrigerator and in the freezer? Thank you.

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Lilly

5/6/2015 11:26:02 am

one week jarred in fridge, or you can freeze portions and thaw out as you like.

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Patricia

2/13/2015 08:46:11 pm

We've been doing this for months!! We buy our meat from an Organic local pig farmer and we can buy bones for $1.50 per pound. Then just recently saw some beef marrow bones for sale at our grocery store and tried those too. I boil the bones for about 20 min to remove the blood and then drain and rinse the bones. Then I put them in my crockpot, fill with cold pure water, add a splash of apple cider vinegar and then put it on high until it gets bubbly and then turn down to low for a minimum of 12 hrs..usually I let it simmer for 18-24 hrs. Using a crockpot is WAY easier then having to watch something on the stove.

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A-Eliza

5/19/2015 03:12:26 pm

Patricia - I'm new to this. Question? Why boil/clean the bones first? Is that necessary? If I use a variety of raw/fresh plus frozen bones from the butcher do I have to clean them first? I would have thought the blood etc. would be good for the broth. Thanks so much!

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julie

2/14/2015 12:58:08 am

Can you use steak bones?

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Shauna

2/14/2015 03:39:43 am

Is there a way to cook this without a stock pot?

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Lisa

2/14/2015 06:18:17 am

How much do you add to a 35kg GSD's food?

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julie

2/14/2015 06:18:38 am

What if my dog is only on a raw rabbit diet only. How can I get a hold of rabbit bones?

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Kevin Hall

2/26/2015 11:58:30 pm

Hi Julie - If you are feeding raw then bone should be included in your dogs diet. You should be able to find whole rabbit for sale on some of the raw food suppliers on the internet. I see some for sale a while back but can't remember the website.
Good Luck

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Diane

2/14/2015 10:29:03 am

Do they really have to be simmered that long? I was wondering if 4-5 hours would be ok?

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Janni

2/24/2015 03:38:11 am

No, not long enough to leech the nutrients out of the bones

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Lilly

5/6/2015 11:24:33 am

I do it only a few hours, and it's ok, but the longer you do it the more nutrients will be in the broth...

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Pat

2/14/2015 01:28:59 pm

My dog is diabetic and hypothyroid. Will this broth be ok for her?

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Carina

3/14/2015 11:28:46 am

great question about diabetes.

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Julia

2/15/2015 12:32:16 am

would it be alright to can this broth in sterilised mason jars? and also how do you feel about a lot of cows, pigs etc being fed artificial hormones and loads of antibiotics etc.. isn't it safer to buy from an organic farmer?

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Cheryl

2/21/2015 09:36:49 am

I'm making my first batch today. Using soup bones from the store this time. I saved the carcass from tonight's chicken for the next batch and I'll add some turkey necks too. I'm looking forward to seeing if there are benefits.

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Ronda

2/23/2015 07:52:13 pm

I have a 13 y.o. dachshund who does not drink much water. I've often wondered if adding broth to her water would be okay to do, to increase her interest in drinking, or if that would be harmful. She is sensitive to chicken, so I would use beef soup bones. Any input on how to make drinking more appealing to her? Thanks!

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Robyn

3/2/2015 03:10:36 am

Can wild boar bones be used? What about other wild game? I have made it with store bought bones and all of my pets love it.

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John

3/4/2015 01:06:15 am

How about a print option so I do not have to print all the comments and colored pictures?

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Lisa lents

3/14/2015 02:29:22 am

Thank you for the great information ....I do a lot of canning , can I can the broth and what is the shelf life once canned . Thx so much.

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Donna S.

3/14/2015 02:35:51 am

I make chicken broth for my aging Terrier and pit/bulldog mix puppy all the time. They have a small bowl before bedtime. After removing the bones, i pressure cook and blend thoroughly and put a tablespoon in their food for calcium intake.

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Judi M

3/14/2015 04:17:45 am

Just curious...why the added vinegar? Health benefits or...?

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Emily D

3/14/2015 07:04:26 am

The vinegar draws the nutrients out of the bones and into the liquid.

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Jarede

3/14/2015 08:58:46 pm

i have been doing this with turkey bones left over from our dinner. I use my crock pot and have it brewing for up to three days. I drink a mug of bone broth once a day along with serving it over kibble. It's so filling and flavorful.

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Doreen

3/25/2015 06:09:47 am

Can you use semi cooked bones with a little meat on it or does it have to be raw to get the most benefit from?

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amber

4/6/2015 10:30:53 am

Why do you need the apple cider vinegar?

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Lilly

5/6/2015 11:22:09 am

to draw out all the marrow.

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Chris Fletcher

4/7/2015 03:43:12 am

I am so glad I found this , I make the broth in a slow cooker for about 24 hours remove all the bones then cool it in the fridge, remove the fat which comes to the top then liquidize all the meat and bits into the mix and freeze it . I give it to my dogs with their pellets twice a day , weighed portions . They LOVE it .

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Eleni

4/23/2015 01:59:01 pm

Would bone broth be good for a dog with renal failure or is it too high in phosphorus?

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Lisa

4/25/2015 10:10:11 pm

I'm in the process of making a huge pot right now. Do I give it to them cold or do I warm it up(the frozen stuff) or just thaw and serve?

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Patty

5/6/2015 03:08:03 am

Our little girl is now on prescription food because she had bladder stones a couple of years ago that required an expensive surgery :( , is this something that would benefit her?

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Antonio Passalacqua

5/6/2015 03:58:12 am

Does the fat that forms at the top of the broth has any nutricional value? I usualy discard it.

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Joyce

5/6/2015 07:13:59 am

One off my 4 dogs have Pancreas illness.he's 15 year💕since 2 year on Low Fat...Enzymen and Stomach pills. ..
The vet says that's the only food he must have to be healthy. ...how about your receipt. ..is it responsible to give him this?

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Karmen

5/6/2015 11:38:35 am

you said not to use onion or garlic to make this broth. I thought garlic was good for dogs, is it not ?

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Paula Higgins

6/10/2015 12:34:44 pm

I feed garlic daily and I add it to the pot when I make bone broth. Too much is toxic but you have to feed a huge amount to reach that point.

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cynfu

5/18/2015 06:23:40 am

I purchase legs or leg quarters when on sale for .99 lb. Cook them in the crockpot on low for two days then remove the meat.,add it back in the broth with water and carrots. Cook until carrots are soft then blend it an add portions to their dry food. I have two giant breed dogs and they are super healthy at 7 and 8 yrs

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Janice

5/18/2015 08:40:30 am

My 10.5 year old Aussie Cattle/Lab mix dog Bailey, has benefitted tremendously from my making her bone broth. Her coat has an intense, deep shine to it, her coat is thicker, more dense and she sheds less. Her eyes are brighter. Her BM's are smaller, less smelly and she is more "regular" than before. Most importantly, she moves with such grace and smoothness, and her arthritis is less of an issue. I make a large pot that fills 6 quart containers. I freeze the extras.
I give her about 1/2 a cup of broth per day and add some steamed vegetables and a bit of Natural Balance dog kibble for her dinner. I call this her "soup", and when I say it's time for soup and it is in her special "soup" bowl, she is so excited.

Janice - awesome! Question: If she's getting a 1/2C per day, do you reduce her kibble? My girl is 65lbs. She should be 60. She gets 2C a day of high-quality kibble. I'm wondering how much kibble I should REMOVE if she's getting a 1/2C per day of broth. Thanks so much for help!

I've read through all the great comments for info, but would be super-grateful for some answers from the Pro:

How much broth per day? If I have to add the calorie count to her daily intake (so I can reduce her kibble) what would you guess it was?

I'll be using raw, frozen bones from our good local organic butcher. Can it truly be ANY bones from ANY source all at once? Can it be a combo of fresh/raw + frozen + cooked all in the same pot? Does it matter?

Do you add greens / veg to your broth? Do you remove the fat? (If not, does this count as her healthy fat?) Another article suggested 24 hours of simmer and then add veg once removed from heat.

Finally, if storing it in the freezer (I've done it in icecube trays before for ease of use) do you microwave it to thaw before feeding? Do you add it to kibble? Or is it best to feed separately in the same way raw feeders suggest NOT feeding raw + kibble in the same meal?

Thanks a bunch, so much, for the information -- much appreciated!

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Kellie

5/21/2015 02:18:09 am

I read in a different article that you can blend up the bones after cooking into a paste and add this to the food also..but I also see numerous statements on other posts that say not to feed cooked bones to dogs...is it bad to blend them up in a vitamix after they are soft?

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Pauline

6/10/2015 05:52:14 pm

Whilst it is true that whole cooked bones should not be fed to dogs, ground down ones are perfectly ok. The reason for not feeding whole cooked bones is that they are liable to splinter, leaving sharp edges that can damage the gut as they pass through, even perforating it in extreme cases. When ground to a paste this threat is eliminated

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Jack LeBert

5/23/2015 03:27:39 am

Love this

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Anneke

6/9/2015 02:45:09 am

Thank you so much for this information. I have two pitbulls and they both have allergies so I'm going to try this and see if it helps them but I was wondering can you mix up different types of bones in the pot or should you just use 1 kind of bone at a time?

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Charlotte

11/22/2015 12:18:44 pm

A variation of bones is just fine!

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Pauline

6/10/2015 05:48:01 pm

I read your article with interest. I have recently acquired a puppy and after doing some research and trying various "commercial" diets I settled on a pre-prepared RAW diet for him, which he is thriving on. I can see the benefits of bone broth in as much as the oils and proteins are present, but my question is this: If you boil or simmer it for hours on end, do you not destroy almost all if not all the vitamin content? I was always lead to believe that high temperatures destroy vitamins, which is one reason why vegetables should not be overcooked in our own diets. Perhaps you could clarify this point for me please?

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Joanne

6/14/2015 12:41:42 am

Can you give it as a frozen treat? My dogs like Popsicles in the summer

Although this one is best eaten outside, toss an egg or two in a blender (including shells) and blend till smooth. Freeze in an ice cube tray (half way full) for easier dispensing. Do not feed more than 1 per day to ensure proper nutrient absorption.

Hey nice article. I grind all my leftover broth making goodies and put it on my dogs food. Dogs can't handle chicken bones cuz they are too brittle and they can easily choke on them - but after they have been boiled down and softened they can easily be munched up in the food processor - or, I use a emersion blender - I put it all the fridge with a clearly mark "Zeus Gew" label then warm up about 1/4 cup and pour it over his dry dog food. He loves it! and if I don't have any Gew to put on his food - he refuses to eat!

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Emma

10/16/2015 05:38:23 am

thanks for the recipe, I made this today with chicken bones and my very picky labradoodle loved it!

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brit

11/21/2015 07:19:56 pm

Hi I wonder if bone broth daily (as well as home made food) would help my dog that has some sort of back issues due to hurting himself last year getting off a table. He has episodes of pain which are managed with acupuncture treatments and I bought $$$$of chinese supplements so am thinking the bone broth may do better than supplements? Most of the time he is 100% active and healthy btw, just trying to avoid more episodes.

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John

11/23/2015 04:43:11 am

This may have been covered but is deer bones and wild hog bones OK to use?

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Ashley

12/18/2015 08:55:45 pm

I started making bone broth 2 months ago for my three Chihuahuas (4, 4 and 6) one of which who has early signs of arthritis and a luxating patella, and my friend's 3 year old Saint Bernard mix with hip dysplasia. I can't tell you how amazed I was seeing my friend's 130+ pound gimpy dog run and play without signs of pain or discomfort after feeding it to her for only a week! Made me a believer for sure! I've noticed better mobility and extra pep in my own pups' steps since feeding to them as well.

Someone else asked how much to give to her chihuahua... My guys are on the bigger side 7-9 pounds, but not overweight. When I first started giving it to them I just gave them a spoonful. As they got used to getting it regularly I increased it to two spoonfuls (one in the morning and one in the evening). My guys love veggies so I throw make, carrots and green beans in for added nutrients. I highly recommend the addition of bone broth to your dog's diets no matter what you feed (raw, home cooked or kibble). My little guys eat healthier than I do!

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Tina McLees

2/15/2016 06:03:38 am

Thank you this was very helpful....I have 2 15 yo chihuahuas and a 10 yo minpin with all kinds of troubles

This is great for young dogs like my Lab who likes to chew on almost every thing. Then we end up at the Vet because of gastric problems.

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carolyn burkhalter

4/15/2016 08:31:39 am

how do you give it to a dog that will absolutely NOT eat his food if anything and I mean anything is added to it-he has been on meds for 4 years now and he thinks anything different in his food is meds-lol-can you just let them drink it? can I give it to him in the gel state? he is on laser therapy , chiropractor and pain and inflammation meds and joint meds-

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Kim

5/1/2016 08:51:55 pm

Yes you can let him eat the gelatin as is or you can warm it in the microwave and mix in his dry food. My chihuahua is picky and he just eats the gelatin. My other dogs like it mixed in with their food. If he's picky you might want to omit any spices and just feed it plain. It's still packed full of nutrients. I hide my dogs pills in either string cheese or Nutrical / Nutristat. They eat it right off my finger. Healthy for them too (a vitamin / calorie supplement). They're both the same product marketed under different names. Ingredients are identical.
Good luck with your dog.

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Kim

5/1/2016 08:47:06 pm

Simmer chicken / poultry bones for 24 hours, and beef or pork should be simmered 48 hours minimum. You will get the best results using chicken feet which I find at my local Asian grocery store. I also purchase turmeric and ginger root there (in the produce section) and add that and other veggies to my stock during the last 4 hours of cooking time. That's when I add all my spices too. I add carrots and celery, omit onions and garlic if you are feeding this to your dogs. The only thing I do not add is salt. You can add any cartilage bones you like - neck, feet, whatever. I've simmered in a stock pot on my stove and I've also simmered in a Hamilton beach 22qt roaster. I bake/roast it in the oven first (imparts a better flavor) for about an hour on 350 degrees. Then I transfer everything to my roaster, add my water and a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, turn it on high, bring to a boil, then I reduce the heat so that its a slow simmer - just above the lowest heat setting. I add water as needed due to evaporation. Once everything is done, I discard all the solids and strain the broth, put it in a pan in an ice bath to lower the temp, then I transfer it to s large Tupperware and it gels overnight. You can skim the fat off the top the next day if you want. I don't bother. Then I transfer it to freezer safe gallon baggies, put them on a cookie sheet in my deep freezer. I take them out once a week to thaw and drink a cup a day for myself and mix it in with my dogs dry food daily too. They gobble it up. Great for their joints and boosting your immune system. Cheap to make. You can save all your leftover bones from steaks, chicken, etc. and freeze them and then use them when it's time to make bone broth. It's great for resolving digestive issues too, like leaky gut. Healthy stuff!

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Chris Burke

5/12/2016 11:54:46 pm

Is this ok for dogs in early stages of renal failure

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Kim

5/13/2016 01:25:57 am

I accidentally I subscribed.

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Tina

11/29/2016 06:59:16 pm

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Nancy Nevada

1/16/2017 09:57:30 pm

Is bone broth okay for 8 pound dogs with early Kidney disease?

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Wendy

3/24/2017 04:13:13 pm

I have made beef bone marrow broth for my boxer. He has sevier colitis. Diarrhea with blood in it. He has gained weight is not sick or dehydrate, very happy. Just constant diarrhea. Ever since I found him. Eight months. He was a starving rescue sin and bones. The vets have tried everything. Now I think they did to much and made him worse....... I have him on a really good probiotic. I want to try the bone broth. I need direction on how much to give him. Should he fast for a period of time? Then start bone broth? Or just give it to him between meals? I have read so many ways to do this it is confusing????? Help!!!

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karen

4/19/2017 06:41:20 am

I decided to make this for my elderly shepherd for his arthritis and lumbar back diease I used 2 beef bone marrow bones in my croc pot and simmered for 24 hours then just strained and poured into my canning jars to cool off my question i am reading i needed to cook for 48 hours for beef bones so does that mean after 24 hrs its not good.

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Melanie

4/24/2017 04:09:00 pm

My dog loved Au Bon Broth ever since we made him try it. Right now his fur looks better and he's back to the old happy dog that he is.

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Dianne

5/9/2017 06:59:05 pm

Can I feed my dogs bone broth that you can buy in the grocery stores, that is made for humans? Like Pacific's Organic bone broth?
Thanks

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John A.

11/17/2017 08:45:47 pm

I used to make bone broth a lot and will try your method. Lately, I've been buying bone broth tea from Buster's Brew that my dogs also love.

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Jessie B.

11/22/2017 12:31:12 pm

It is important that you use only grass fed animal bones and free range.
They do not contain the chemicals and hormones that will become more concentrated when boiled down. The vinegar and slow simmer process leaches all the goodness from the bones and also the chemicals and hormones You should not use the store bought bone broth as it almost always has onions and garlic in it for flavor.

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John A.

11/25/2017 09:36:04 am

I have confirmed with https://bustersbrew.net that they only use grass fed and free range bones. Thanks for the tip!

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Diana Gorski

11/29/2017 05:23:52 pm

Has anyone tried making the broth in electric roaster? I've made it in a slow cooker but my roaster is bigger so I can make more broth.

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